coolant leak, waterpump and timing chain

Nov 01, 2004 1 Replies

Some of the time, I am getting a rythemic noise when my car is started. It seems to come from the front right of the vehicle. I think that it may be my main waterpump which is also leaking a little so I am getting it replaced. The mechanic has told me to get my timing belt changed at the same time. But my 97 Passat VR6 has a timing chain. Should I spend the extra $100 to get the timing chain replaced? The original cost of the replacing the main waterpump is coming to around $400. I thought that the chains were permanent and will he also have to do my timing again if he changes the timing chain.



As well I have a very very small leak from my auxillary waterpump, the mechanic wants me to replace it too (along with the main waterpump) at a cost of another $200. Is it worth it or should I just add some more coolant every couple of months? The car has 85000 miles on it.



Thanks, Anwar Upal


$100 for a timing chain? Don't think so because you must remove the transmission to get to it! Figure about 10 hours labor for the job. Maybe your mechanic isn't knowledgeable?

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